At Tompkinsville church, cross and crown

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Passion Week promises to be especially powerful this year at the First United Christian Church in Tompkinsville.

The observance of Christendom’s most solemn interval begins tomorrow, Palm Sunday, and continues each night from 7 to 10 o’clock through Easter.

There will be religious and evangelical speakers, performances by church choirs and singers and, most importantly, an opportunity in these tough and turbulent times

“Right now, a lot of people are living in fear of earthquakes, fear of tsunamis, fear of the economic crisis — and even as a nation, some people are realizing that social services are being cut and jobs are being cut and people are feeling that they need to pray. They need God and they need to do praise and worship.”

The week’s roster includes the Rev. Sandosee Massalay, the Rev. Mother Eliza Stevens, evangelist Sara Richards, the Rev. Augustus Tucker, gospel rapper Lajuan, a choir from Africa, the church’s choir and the local Second Chance Gospel Choir — a competitor in this year’s McDonald’s Gospelfest.

The Stations of the Cross on Good Friday will be led by the First United Christian Church’s Deacon Board.